Applying lessons learnt from the reintegration of street children to children affected by armed conflict

Summary

Following 20 years experience of working with street-connected children, Retrak has developed standard operating procedures for family reintegration, based on international guidelines and evidence, which clearly outline the principles and key steps that can support children with their families and communities in this process. Evidence has shown that after reintegration with families, the wellbeing of children improved compared with living on the street, demonstrating the efficacy of family reintegration. There are marked similarities between street-connected children and children affected by armed conflict including their origin, their experience of violated rights and levels of independence, their alienation and stigmatisation, their need for support in reconciling with family and community and the educational and psychosocial challenges they face. Based on these similarities Retrak’s family reintegration standard operating procedures could be applied to children affected by armed conflict to assist them in making a successful transition to living in their family and community.